How to Prepare for Shipping Container Delivery in Salt Lake City

Now that you have purchased a storage container in Salt Lake City, it’s time to get prepared for delivery of the unit. What can you expect? What should you do before the truck driver gets there? We can give you some tips on how to prepare to make your shipping container delivery process fast and smooth. Check out these tips.

1: Choose Your Delivery Site in Salt Lake City

Consider where on your property you want the shipping container placed. Think carefully about this, as the location you choose will become the spot where they set down the container. This will more than likely become its temporary or permanent location.

Consider these three aspects when selecting a spot in your yard or business site:

Convenience: Choose a location that is easily accessible for both you and the delivery truck. Think about your daily routine and whether the container’s location will be practical for loading and unloading.

Accessibility: Ensure that the delivery truck can safely access the chosen area. Shipping containers can be quite large and heavy, so make sure there are no obstacles, such as trees, fences, or structures, that might hinder the delivery process.

Foundation Needs: The weight of your shipping container will determine the need for a solid foundation. A 20-foot container and a 40-foot container have gross weights of 52,813 pounds and 67,196 pounds respectively. Choose a site that can support the weight of the container and the delivery truck, with a firm, level surface such as concrete, asphalt, gravel, or compacted dirt. A firm foundation prevents shifting, sinking, or damage to the container over time.

When selecting a delivery site in Salt Lake City, ensure it has convenient access and enough space for the delivery truck to maneuver and drop off the container. The site should be at least twice the length of the shipping container. Consider the weight of your container, which may require a firm, level foundation like cement, pavement, gravel, or hard-packed dirt. Avoid placing the container in low-lying areas with poor drainage, as this could cause it to sink over time.

2: Prepare the Foundation or Ground for Shipping Container Delivery in Salt Lake City

Before the delivery truck arrives, ensure that the ground is ready to support the weight of your container. If the area you’ve chosen is uneven, you may need to level it by removing any large debris or filling in low spots. If your site is not paved or made of a durable material like gravel or cement, you may want to place the container on blocks to ensure proper support.

Here’s how to prepare the foundation:

Level the Ground: Clear away any large debris like rocks, branches, or other obstacles. Use a shovel or a leveling tool to smooth the area and ensure that the ground is flat and even.

Use Concrete Blocks or Wood: If a solid foundation like concrete or gravel isn’t available, you can place your container on blocks to elevate it and create a stable foundation. Concrete blocks, railroad ties, or wooden beams can help distribute the weight evenly.

Prepare the Pathway: Clear a path for the delivery truck to reach the drop-off point. This includes moving away any overhanging branches, power lines, or low-hanging structures. Also, ensure that no utilities (such as water pipes, gas lines, or drains) are obstructing the truck’s path.

3: Figure Out Where the Doors Will Go

One of the most important considerations when preparing for shipping container delivery in Salt Lake City is determining which direction you want the container’s doors to face. This decision will impact how the container is offloaded and how convenient it will be for you to access the container’s contents.

There are two common options:

• Doors Facing the Cab: If you choose to have the doors facing the cab of the truck, the container will slide off the truck with the doors landing last. This means that the container will be facing the direction of the truck when it leaves, which is ideal if you want easy access to the doors from your property.
• Doors Facing the Rear: Alternatively, if you prefer the doors to face away from the truck, the container will be offloaded with the doors landing first. This is a good option if you want the doors facing an area with more convenient access or to avoid facing the truck’s rear when using the container.

Make sure to communicate this preference clearly to the shipping container company to avoid any confusion on the day of delivery.

4: Coordinate Schedule

Once you’ve chosen the delivery site and prepared the area, it’s time to coordinate the delivery schedule. Shipping container deliveries in Salt Lake City typically occur within 3 to 5 days after the purchase date, but delivery times can vary depending on availability and weather conditions.

Here’s what to expect:

Delivery Confirmation: The delivery company will contact you before the scheduled delivery date to confirm the timing and check if the site is ready.

Day of Delivery: On the day of delivery, expect the driver to give you a call or message when they are on their way. This gives you an opportunity to make sure the delivery site is clear and that everything is ready for a smooth drop-off.

Delivery Time: Shipping container deliveries usually take less than an hour, but it’s important to ensure that the site is prepared and the truck has a clear path to drop off the container. This will help ensure the delivery is completed quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Container Delivery

How much does it cost to deliver a container?

The cost to deliver a shipping container depends on how far it needs to go and the size of the container. Generally, for a local delivery, you might pay between $100 to $500. If the container needs to be transported a long distance, the cost could be higher, sometimes over $1,000. It’s a good idea to get a quote from the delivery company for the exact cost.

How much room is needed to deliver a 20ft shipping container?

To deliver a 20ft shipping container, you’ll need a space that’s at least twice the length of the container for the delivery truck to maneuver. So, you’re looking at needing around 40 to 60 feet of clear space in length. Plus, consider the width – you’ll need about 12 feet of space to accommodate the width of the truck and the container.

Do shipping containers need to be off the ground?

It’s usually a good idea to keep shipping containers off the ground. Elevating them slightly can help prevent moisture from getting under the container, which can lead to rust over time. You can use concrete blocks, railroad ties, or a gravel pad to lift the container a few inches off the ground. This also helps to keep it level, which is important, especially if you’re using it for storage or as a living space.

Contact Dry Box in Salt Lake City to Secure Your Container Delivery Today

Contact us today for more detailed information on how to prepare for your specific storage container delivery in Salt Lake City. We’d be happy to provide you with a free quote as well!